Headstall

It was a surprise for me too, Terry. A comment from @Aditus I took as a challenge, spurred me to write Boundaries, even though I had already written two other anthology submissions. It has revived my interest and confidence in my abilities after covid did a number on me, so it's a treasure for me as well. Genre is important for the feel and authenticity of the story, but you're right that it is the heart of the story that transcends genre. A good story is a good story. You're right about @spike382 too. He and the other members of the review team do really good work. They put in a lot of effort to help provide readers with information about available reading... a valuable service indeed. Focus on our stories does a lot for us authors too. Thanks again, Spikeman.

Thanks, Terry! You're right about me doing a lot of research, and while I've gone down a few rabbit holes a time or two, I mostly enjoy the process. I started researching westerns years ago with my first one, Finding Refuge https://gayauthors.org/story/headstall/findingrefuge/ . Getting a western dialect I was happy with was a challenge because there isn't much solid information to be had, but with enough enough clues found, I ended up happy with one that now flows out of me. Looks like I'm stuck with thinking in western-speak a lot of the time.

I'd say you met the challenge well indeed, Parker. It's rhythmic and charming, feeling very musical. Loved the cymbals line. Music, nature, music in nature, and friendship/love. How can you go wrong? The rhyming was superbly done. Frere Jacques. Cheers!

Vampire westerns? Could be fun. Thanks for your support of my westerns, Adi. I truly appreciate it, and your kind words. I know the genre is not for everyone, so giving them a chance means a lot to me. Cheers!

Thanks, northie! I have charm? Huh... who knew? The writer in me admires you too. I have watched you grow into an amazing and accomplished author, and I believe we have the same mindset about striving to always improve... your spider story still gives me the creeps. And yeah, my fans are the best! Cheers!

Here is the link to the feature... Please check it out and leave a comment, guys, if you can. Spikey says some really nice things, so please thank him.

What a shock. Thank you, spikey! Your featured review of "Boundaries: An Old West Tale" was amazing... and very kind.

Yes he is! No need. He's already been airmailed.

Well... this was a big surprise, especially considering, like spikey said, this is my latest story written. I love westerns--never thought I'd write one--yet now I've written four. We never know what direction our muse will take us, and this was just the ticket to get me out of a writing slump after going through covid. The fact this was a submission to our milestone GA Twentieth Anniversary anthology makes this all the more special. Thanks, spikeman! This is a real boost to my spirits. Cheers!

Bonus Buck Monday...

Happy Monday, all!

Happy Sunday, all!

This was fun, Arron. I was a little confused at first because everything about this world was new to me, but I caught on soon enough. It's so interesting they can become bipedal but keep much of their animal characteristics. "Need a hand?" "If you don't mind. My hooves don't work well on wood." Lol. That solidified it in my mind. I like this world... thanks to you and Yeoldebard for sharing. Your writing skills are quite apparent as this story flowed beautifully. Sorry it took me so long to get to this... I'm in renovation mode, but I will get to the next three chapters eventually. Cheers! Gary

This... this is all I can ask for as an author. I won't apologize for your discomfort the first time reading. It is an uncomfortable story, but it is a real story. That you appreciate the beauty of it now means more than I can express. Chase and Hank both lost everything, and I agree their relationship had to end for it to begin again. Both had demons to defeat, and they had to figure all that out on their own, without the other to prop them up. They'll be fine now. Their love never died, despite all attempts to kill it. That tells us what we need to know, and that is they belong together. Chase grew up over this long summer, and Hank finally understands his life so far. Between them they have one mother and one father, and that is something to be thankful for. I just want to give an honorable mention to Christine, a character as real as any other even though we never saw her alive. Thank you so much for this wonderful, encouraging, validating and honest comment. You're the best!

There is definitely love there. Finally, Chase has all the pieces filled in, and maybe Hank had a good view of the interaction. Chase knows he dodged a bullet that fateful night. Hank's interruption might have saved him from a serious assault. Should be an interesting conversation coming... and it would be about time. Cheers and thanks for all this wonderful support, Terry.

Thank you so much, Terry. I appreciate you understand just how complex this chapter was. I always know what I want to accomplish in a chapter, but weaving it all together and making it work is a real challenge. This one felt right when I was done. I agree about the conversation between Chase and Hank outside. I believe it showcased the team they used to be. I'm feeling emotional right now as I think about Hank's father, and Will's picture. Sometimes life really sucks. I'm glad Hank followed through on his promise to his dad, and I think Lilah was right that he was sharing something important with his son when he asked him to put that photo in his casket. Jeez... it was such a sad revelation... but the ending was beautiful. Lilah will be a great mom again.

Yes, it is, a good news, bad news kind of chapter. I wouldn't say that Chase's reaction is bad news, though. I understand why he was so hurt by that. Hank fucked up, and deserves Chase's anger. Chase might be stronger and more confident, but he is still prone to all the human emotions we all have. I'm pleased you were impressed by Hank reaching out. That was a big deal. His only mistake was not telling Chase about that conversation. In fairness, I can see why he didn't, but it was still wrong. he should have put himself in Chase's place, and thought about how he was feeling about Hank's lack of faith in him. I would say the important thing is Chase didn't leave. He still intends to be there for Hank while he interacts with his mother for the first time in years. More good news is that Hank is showing he is contrite. Never a dull moment, huh? Thanks, buddy.

Totally agree, but I think Chase asked the question, in part, because Hank still gets under his skin, and seeing his attitude about Dawson irked him. The old Chase wouldn't have done that, but now he calls out what he sees. He was not going to allow Hank to think of him as a liar anymore, because he has self respect. That's important. Chase isn't just hotter... he is more confident, and knows who he is. This summer was a huge one for him. And yeah, he does want Hank's trust too, but he no longer needs it. I also think Chase's attitude towards Hank is that he gave him plenty of chances, and he isn't going to let his hope loose again. Unless hank spells something out in black and white, Chase is moving on. I would say that is successful self-healing. Is Hank catching up to Chase? I would suggest he is. He is starting to be proactive, and that indicates, at the very least, some serious soul searching. Thanks, buddy. Cheers!

I have to go feed, and then feed Cookie, and then feed myself. Have fun, y'all!

Thanks, Terry. I appreciated all the thoughtful, wonderful comments and I see you left a review. I will check it out... just got home and finished up the satellite wiring for my family room. All that work to move a damn cable.

Hey, Albert. They are lovely.

Happy Saturday, all! I've been busy with responses and PMs, and I have to get moving. Have to go buy some stuff for my renovations and pick up my online grocery order... and I hate shopping. Last night I helped my son (along with my other son) put up a tower and the new StarLink system sold by Elon Musk. It went pretty well... they were the brawn and I was the brains. My son likes to game online, and he was always complaining my Bell internet wasn't good enough, so now he has his own. It's working perfectly for him.

Ah yes, my story within a story. I absolutely loved including this in Endings. Dawson touched me as a character, and I wanted to give him this after all the suffering and regret he dealt with. He's happy now! There is a little more in the next chapter with regards to a conversation, but this is pretty much their whole story. So happy you loved this too, my friend. Cheers!

Hey, Hal Lee! This was a fun first chapter to write. I'm pleased you found the characters interesting, and yes, the bath was an intriguing way to have Virgil and Wyatt interact. This was often how baths were done in the Old West. As far as the narration, you were always hearing Virgil's, the stranger's, thoughts. The story is told entirely from his point of view--in third person limited, which is how I tell most of my stories. You only know what the other characters are thinking by their dialogue or the actions, or Virgil's observations about each scene or situation. Sorry if you were confused, but I hope you will continue this story. I love writing westerns, and this one turned out rather well, Thanks very much for reading and sharing your thoughts with me. Cheers... Gary....